Lee, that hotel is only a few miles from my house and should work great. It's right off of I-75 as well so easy to get to when coming up.

RE: train station - it is owned by a local "businessman" who doesn't grant official access, unless you want to shoot Transformers 28 or whatever. So, we can enter "at your own risk". I've been in many times and never had a problem though, but it is technically trespassing. The issue is that the city wants to take down the building and the owner doesn't want to pay for it. So, they fight about it a lot and nothing happens.

Glad to see the interest. We'll make it the first weekend of December then - Dec. 3rd through the 5th. I'll send out a message with my address as things get closer. Please let me know if you plan on coming and when we might see you.

The plan is to meet up at our house Friday evening, heading out for dinner with anyone who might make it in time. Afterwards, we can chat and catch up.

Saturday, we can all meet up at the house in the morning, then head out to shoot. Downtown is about 20 minutes away, and offers lots to photograph. If we want abandoned, that can be provided - with the inherent risks.

Saturday night, dinner and then showing prints and talking at our place until the wee hours. A darkroom tour will be happily provided for anyone interested.

Lee, I've been in the Botanical Society before. They do / did allow tripods. It is fairly small though - only a few rooms - and not necessarily worth the trip unless you love plants. It is heated in the winter and can be quite tropical - lots of humidity.

I'm actually not familiar with the refuge. Maybe someone here can chime in, or provide suggestions for shooting locations.